Which is larger, a detachment or a company? Difference between division and brigade

For many civilians, words such as squad, platoon, company, regiment and others are known. However, most of them have never thought about the difference between, for example, a squad from a regiment, and a platoon from a company. In fact, the structure of military units is formed based on the number of military personnel. In this article we will look at the size of each military unit and understand in detail the structure of military formations.

Brief description of units and number of military personnel

In order to clearly control military personnel, military units have a specific structure, each unit of which has its own commander or chief. Each unit has a different number of troops, and is part of a larger unit (a squad is part of a platoon, a platoon is part of a company, etc.). The smallest unit is the squad, it includes from four to ten people, and the largest formation is the front (district), the number of which is difficult to name, since it depends on a number of factors. To have a clearer idea of the size of a military unit, it is necessary to consider each of them, which we will do next.

What is a department and how many people are there?

As noted above, the smallest military unit is a squad that is directly part of a platoon. The squad commander is the direct superior of the squad personnel. In army jargon it is abbreviated as “Chest of Drawers”. Most often, the squad leader has the rank of junior sergeant or sergeant, and the squad itself may consist of ordinary soldiers and corporals. Depending on the type of troops, the department may different quantities Human. Interestingly, the equivalent of a squad in tank units is the tank crew, and in artillery units it is the crew. The picture below shows several examples of differences between the squad, crew and crew

The picture shows a motorized rifle squad, but in fact battalions have various departments, for example: the battalion commander’s control department (4 people), the reconnaissance department of the control platoon (4 people), the weapons repair department of the repair platoon (3 people), the communications department (8 people) and others.

What is a platoon and how many people are in it?

The next largest number of personnel is the platoon. Most often it includes from three to six departments, respectively, its number ranges from fifteen to sixty people. As a rule, a platoon is commanded by junior officers - junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant.
On the infographic you can see examples of motorized rifle and tank platoons, as well as a fire platoon of a mortar battery

Thus, we see that a motorized rifle platoon consists of a platoon command (platoon commander and deputy) and 3 squads (we looked at the composition of the squads above in the picture). That is, only 29 people.
A tank platoon consists of 3 tank crews. It is important that the commander of a tank platoon is also the commander of the first tank, so there are only 9 people in a tank platoon.
A fire platoon consists of 3-4 crews, each crew consists of 7 people, so the platoon size is 21-28 people.

Also, in addition to the units presented in the example, there are many different platoons in various brigades and regiments. As an example, let's list just a few of them:

Platoon control
Communications platoon
Reconnaissance Platoon
Engineer platoon
Grenade Platoon
Logistics Platoon
Medical platoon
Anti-aircraft missile platoon
Repair platoon, etc.

Company and number of people in it

The third largest military formation is the company. Depending on the type of troops, the size of a company can be from 30 to 150 soldiers, who are part of 2 to 4 platoons. Thus, the strength of a tank company is 31–40 people, and the number of military personnel in a motorized rifle company fluctuates between 150 people. The company is also a formation of tactical importance, which means that the servicemen who are part of the company, in the event of combat operations, can perform tactical tasks independently, without being part of the battalion. Often the company is commanded by an officer with the rank of captain, and only in some units this position is held by a major. Also, depending on the type of troops, a company may have a different name. For example, an artillery company is called a battery, an aviation company is called an aviation unit, and previously there was also a cavalry company, which was called a squadron.

In the example we have a tank and motorized rifle companies, as well as a mortar battery

Battalion and number of military personnel in it

As in other military units, the size of the battalion depends on the type of troops. The battalion consists of 2 - 4 companies, and has from 250 to 1000 people. As you can see, this military unit already has quite an impressive number, and therefore is considered the main tactical formation, capable of acting independently.

Many have heard the song of the group “Lube” called “Combat”, but not everyone knows what it means. So, the battalion is commanded by the battalion commander, which is abbreviated as “battalion commander”, in whose honor this composition of the same name was written. A battalion commander is the position of a lieutenant colonel, but most often battalion commanders are captains and majors, who have the opportunity to advance in their rank and receive the stars of a lieutenant colonel.

The battalion's activities are coordinated at battalion headquarters. Just like a company, a battalion, depending on the type of troops, may be called differently. For example, in the artillery and anti-aircraft missile forces they are called divisions (artillery division, air defense division).

There are many more specific units in battalions and divisions that were mentioned above. Therefore, we will present the structure in the form of separate infographics

Regiment and its composition

The regiment consists of three to six battalions. The strength of the regiment does not exceed two thousand people. The regiment itself is a directly key tactical formation that is completely autonomous. To command such a formation, you must have the rank of colonel, but in practice, lieutenant colonels are more often appointed as regiment commanders. A regiment may contain several different units. For example, if a regiment has three tank battalions and one motorized rifle battalion, then the regiment will have the name tank. Also, depending on the type of troops, a regiment can perform different tasks: combined arms, anti-aircraft, logistics.

There are also more numerous units that were heard by civilians much less often than the above-mentioned formations. We will try to briefly talk about them in the next part of the article.

Brigade, division, corps, army, front

After the regiment, the next largest in size is the brigade, which usually has between two and eight thousand troops. The brigade consists of several battalions (divisions), several auxiliary companies, and sometimes two or even three regiments. An officer with the rank of colonel is appointed brigade commander (abbreviated as brigade commander).

The main operational-tactical formation is a division. It includes several regiments, as well as many auxiliary units various kinds troops. The highest officers with the rank of major general and above are allowed to command the division, since the strength of the division is an impressive 12 - 24 thousand people.

The next military formation is the army corps. It is formed from several divisions, which can reach one hundred thousand people. There is no predominance of any military branches when creating an army corps, since it is a combined arms formation. The corps commander can be a senior military officer - major general and above.

The army as a military unit consists of several corps. The exact number of military personnel can range from two hundred thousand to a million, depending on the structure. The army is commanded by a major general or lieutenant general.

Front, and in peacetime A military district is the largest unit of all existing in the armed forces. Its number is very difficult to name, since it can change depending on the political situation, military doctrine, region, etc. The position of front commander can be held by a lieutenant general or an army general.

General principles for forming the number of units

From the above, you can build a certain chain that will help to finally clarify general principles formation of the number of units:

5 – 10 people form a department;
3 – 6 squads form a platoon;
3 – 6 platoons create a company;
3 – 4 companies form a battalion;
3 – 6 battalions create a regiment;
2 – 3 battalions form a brigade;
several brigades and auxiliary units form a division;
3 – 4 divisions create an army corps;
2 – 10 divisions are capable of forming an army

You also need to remember that the number of military units may depend directly on the type of troops. For example, tank units are always significantly inferior in number to motorized rifle units.

Other tactical terms

In addition to the above-mentioned terms of the number of military units, the following concepts can also be distinguished:

Unit – all military formations that are part of the unit. In other words, military terms such as squad, platoon, company, etc. can be expressed by the word "unit".
A military unit is the main independent unit of the Armed Forces. Most often, the unit consists of a regiment or brigade. Also, individual companies and battalions can be military units. The main features of the part are:

availability of open and closed combined arms numbers;
military economy;
bank account;
postal and telegraph address;
own office work;
official seal of the part;
the commander's right to issue written orders.

All these signs indicate that the unit has the autonomy it needs.

Compound. In fact, this term can only describe a division. The word “connection” itself implies the union of several parts. If the composition of a brigade is formed from separate battalions and companies that have the status of units, then in this case the brigade can also be called a formation.
Association. Unites units such as corps, army, front or district.

Having analyzed all the above concepts, you can understand on what principles the numerical classification of military units is built. Now, watching films on military topics, or communicating with a military man, having heard most military terms, you will have a clear idea of them. It is worth noting that this article does not pay due attention to the structure of aviation and naval formations, since they do not differ significantly from military ones.

Military formations are an integral part of the next level of hierarchy. If you need to select precise definition for a military formation, it is enough to make an excerpt from the Russian language dictionary: " Military formation - combat and administrative-economic unit in Armed Forces, other troops, bodies." Military formations belong to the structure of the armed forces.

Military formations can be divided into two structures: classic formations and separate ones.
Classic structures - this is a large military formation, which includes additional units, that is, separate formations.
Separate military formation - a military formation that is directly part of a larger one, bypassing one or more intermediate links, for example, a separate battalion of a division, or separate brigade districts. A separate military formation is part of the classical structure; it is one of the links.

In Russia, military formations include:

1) divisions;
2) military units;
3) connections;
4) associations.

Brief facts about military formations:

1. Any military formation has the status legal entity. Military formations conclude and execute civil contracts and agreements.

2. Each military formation has a name: real or conditional.

3. The conventional name consists of the inscription “military formation” and the combination four digits. Also, a “No” sign is placed. As a result, the entire conventional name looks like this: " military unit №1234".

4. The valid name includes the combined arms number, staff name, honorary name (if any) and title state awards(if the military formation has been awarded orders). For example: 1234 Guards Arkharinsky Order of Lenin Red Banner separate tank regiment.

5. In order to ensure their activities, military formations are assigned in the prescribed manner buildings, structures, premises, equipment, machinery, weapons, inventory and material resources necessary for carrying out activities.

Division of military names:

Military titles can be divided into 12 points. IN this list you will be able to find out the main features of military denominations, their numbers, structure and main differences from other denominations.
Also, we will turn a little to history and remember when the first military names were created, who was their founder and, in fact, why they were founded.

1. Department.
In the Soviet and Russian armies, a squad is the smallest military formation with a full-time commander. The squad is commanded by junior sergeant or sergeant. Usually there are 9-13 people in a motorized rifle squad. In departments of other branches of the military, the number of personnel in the department ranges from 3 to 15 people. In some branches of the military the branch is called differently. In artillery - crew, in tank forces- crew.

2. Platoon.
Several squads make up a platoon. Usually there are from 2 to 4 squads in a platoon, but it is possible more.The platoon is headed by a commander V officer rank. In the Soviet and Russian armies this is a junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant. On average, the number of platoon personnel ranges from 9 to 45 people. Usually in all companies of troops the name is the same - platoon. Usually a platoon is part of a company, but can exist independently.

3. Company.
Several platoons make up a company. In addition, a company may also include several independent squads not included in any of the platoons. For example, a motorized rifle company has three motorized rifle platoons, a machine gun squad, and an anti-tank squad. Usually a company consists of 2-4 platoons, sometimes more platoons. A company is the smallest formation of tactical importance, i.e. a formation capable of independent implementation small tactical tasks on the battlefield. Company commander captain. On average, the size of a company can be from 18 to 200 people.
Motorized rifle companies usually have about 130-150 people, tank companies 30-35 people. Usually a company is part of a battalion, but it is not uncommon for companies to exist as independent formations. In artillery, a formation of this type is called a battery; in cavalry, a squadron.
Companies began to be created for the first time in Western Europe at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th centuries. The number of companies in peacetime reached 100-150, and in wartime - 200-250 people.

4. Battalion.
Consists of several companies (usually 2-4) and several platoons that are not part of any of the companies. The battalion is one of the main tactical formations. A battalion, like a company, platoon, or squad, is named after its branch of service (tank, motorized rifle, engineer, communications). But the battalion already includes formations of other types of weapons. For example, in a motorized rifle battalion, in addition to motorized rifle companies, there is a mortar battery, a logistics platoon, and a communications platoon. Battalion Commander lieutenant colonel. The battalion already has its own headquarters. Typically, an average battalion, depending on the type of troops, can number from 250 to 950 people. However, there are battalions of about 100 people. In artillery, this type of formation is called a division.
Initially, the term “battalion” meant “order of battle,” but then began to be used as the name of a military unit. In the Russian army, battalions were first created by Peter I. They consisted of four companies of the same type and were part of a regiment. The battalion's strength is up to 500 people.

5. Regiment
In the Soviet and Russian armies, this is the main tactical formation and a completely autonomous formation in the economic sense. Commands a regiment colonel. Although regiments are named according to the branches of the military, in fact this is a formation consisting of units of many branches of the military, and the name is given according to the predominant branch of the military. The number of personnel in the regiment ranges from 900 to 2000 people.

6. Brigade.
Just like a regiment, it is the main tactical formation. Actually, the brigade occupies an intermediate position between a regiment and a division. A brigade can consist of two regiments, plus battalions and companies auxiliary purpose. On average, the brigade has from 2 to 8 thousand people. Brigade commander, just like in the regiment, colonel.

7. Regiment
The main operational-tactical formation. Just like a regiment, it is named after the predominant branch of troops in it. However, the predominance of one or another type of troops is much less than in the regiment. On average, there are 12-24 thousand people in a division. Division commander Major General. A regiment is a military unit, the main administrative and economic unit in the armed forces of many states. By number combat personnel The regiment occupies an intermediate position between a battalion and a brigade (division). Depending on its affiliation, a regiment can conduct combined arms combat or support separate military operations. The term “regiment” first appeared in Rus' in the 10th century as the name of a separately operating armed detachment. In countries Western Europe shelves appeared in the 16th century, and became more widespread in the second half of the 18th century.

8. Body.
A brigade is an intermediate formation between a regiment and a division, and a corps is an intermediate formation between a division and an army. The corps is already a combined arms formation, that is, it is usually deprived of the characteristic of one type of military force. It is impossible to talk about the structure and strength of the corps, because as many corps exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. Corps commander Lieutenant General

9. Division.
The division is the main tactical unit in various types armed forces. Divisions are designed to conduct combat as part of larger formations: an army, a corps, a squadron. A division usually consists of several regiments or brigades, units or units. Divisions first appeared in the sailing fleets of a number of states in the 17th century, as component squadrons of ships.

10. Army.
This term is used in three main meanings:
A. Army - the armed forces of the state as a whole;
b. Army - ground forces of the state's armed forces (as opposed to the navy and military aviation);
V. Army is a military formation.
In this article we are talking about the army as a military formation. Army- This large-scale military formation operational purpose. The army includes divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. Usually armies are no longer divided by types of troops, although they may exist tank armies, where tank divisions predominate. An army may also include one or more corps. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the army, because as many armies exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. The soldier at the head of the army is no longer called “commander”, but “commander of the army.” Usually full-time rank army commander Colonel General. In peacetime, armies, as military formations, are rarely organized. Usually divisions, regiments, and battalions are directly included in the district.

11. Front (district).
This is the highest military formation strategic type. There are no larger formations. The name "front" is used only in wartime for formation, leading fighting. For such formations in peacetime, or located in the rear, the name “okrug” (military district) is used. The front includes several armies, corps, divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. The composition and strength of the front may vary. Fronts are never subdivided by types of troops (i.e. there cannot be a tank front, an artillery front, etc.). At the head of the front (district) is front (district) commander with the rank of army general.

12. Group of troops.
In wartime, this is the name given to military formations that solve operational tasks inherent in the front, but operate in a narrower area or a secondary direction and, accordingly, are significantly smaller in number and weaker than such a formation as the front, but stronger than the army. In peacetime this was what they called Soviet Army associations of formations stationed abroad (Group Soviet troops in Germany, Central Group of Forces, Northern Group of Forces, Southern Group of Forces). In Germany, this group of troops included several armies and divisions. In Czechoslovakia, the Central Group of Forces consisted of five divisions, three of which were combined into a corps. In Poland the group of troops consisted of two divisions, and in Hungary of three divisions.

NOTE!

In the literature and in military documents there are also such names as “team” and “detachment”. The term "team" has now fallen out of use. It was used to designate formations of special troops (sappers, signalmen, reconnaissance officers, etc.) that are part of general military formations. Usually, in terms of numbers and combat missions solved, this is something between a platoon and a company. The term "squad" was used to designate similar formations in terms of tasks and numbers, as the average between a company and a battalion. It is still occasionally used to designate a permanently existing formation. For example, drilling team - an engineering formation designed to drill wells for water extraction in areas where there are no surface water sources. The term “detachment” is also used to designate a group of units organized temporarily for the period of battle (advanced detachment, encircling detachment, covering detachment).

In literature, military documents, in mass media, in conversations, in official documents When dealing with military issues, terms are constantly encountered - formation, regiment, unit, military unit, company, battalion, army, etc. For military people, everything here is clear, simple and unambiguous. They immediately understand what we mean we're talking about, what number of soldiers these names hide, what this or that formation can do on the battlefield. For civilians, all these names mean little. Very often they are confused about these terms. Moreover, if in civilian structures a “department” often means a large part of a company or plant, then in the army a “department” is the smallest formation of several people. And vice versa, a “brigade” at a factory is only a few dozen people or even a few people, but in the army a brigade is a large military formation numbering several thousand people. It is so that civilians can navigate the military hierarchy that this article was written.

To understand the general terms that group types of formations - subdivision, unit, formation, association, we will first understand the specific names.

Department. In the Soviet and Russian armies, a squad is the smallest military formation with a full-time commander. The squad is commanded by a junior sergeant or sergeant. Usually there are 9-13 people in a motorized rifle squad. In departments of other branches of the military, the number of personnel in the department ranges from 3 to 15 people. In some branches of the military the branch is called differently. In artillery - crew, in tank forces - crew. In some other armies, the squad is not the smallest formation. For example, in the US Army, the smallest formation is a group, and a squad consists of two groups. But basically, in most armies, the squad is the smallest formation. Typically, a squad is part of a platoon, but can exist outside of a platoon. For example, the reconnaissance diving section of an engineer battalion is not part of any of the battalion’s platoons, but is directly subordinate to the battalion chief of staff.

Platoon. Several squads make up a platoon. Usually there are from 2 to 4 squads in a platoon, but more are possible. The platoon is headed by a commander with the rank of officer. In the Soviet and Russian armies this is junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant. On average, the number of platoon personnel ranges from 9 to 45 people. Usually in all branches of the military the name is the same - platoon. Usually a platoon is part of a company, but can exist independently.

Company. Several platoons make up a company. In addition, a company may also include several independent squads not included in any of the platoons. For example, a motorized rifle company has three motorized rifle platoons, a machine gun squad, and an anti-tank squad. Typically a company consists of 2-4 platoons, sometimes more platoons. A company is the smallest formation of tactical importance, i.e. a formation capable of independently performing small tactical tasks on the battlefield. The company commander is a captain. On average, the size of a company can be from 18 to 200 people. Motorized rifle companies usually have about 130-150 people, tank companies 30-35 people. Usually a company is part of a battalion, but it is not uncommon for companies to exist as independent formations. In artillery, a formation of this type is called a battery; in cavalry, a squadron.

Battalion. Consists of several companies (usually 2-4) and several platoons that are not part of any of the companies. The battalion is one of the main tactical formations. A battalion, like a company, platoon, or squad, is named after its branch of service (tank, motorized rifle, engineer, communications). But the battalion already includes formations of other types of weapons. For example, in a motorized rifle battalion, in addition to motorized rifle companies, there is a mortar battery, a logistics platoon, and a communications platoon. Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel. The battalion already has its own headquarters. Usually, on average, a battalion, depending on the type of troops, can number from 250 to 950 people. However, there are battles of about 100 people. In artillery, this type of formation is called a division.

Note1: Name of formation - squad, platoon, company, etc. depends not on the number of personnel, but on the type of troops and the tactical tasks assigned to the formation of this type. Hence the dispersion in the number of personnel in formations that have the same name.

Regiment. In the Soviet and Russian armies, this is the main (I would say key) tactical formation and a completely autonomous formation in the economic sense. The regiment is commanded by a colonel. Although the regiments are named according to the types of troops (tank, motorized rifle, communications, pontoon-bridge, etc.), in fact this is a formation consisting of units of many types of troops, and the name is given according to the predominant type of troops. For example, in a motorized rifle regiment there are two or three motorized rifle battalion, one tank battalion, one artillery battalion (read battalion), one anti-aircraft missile battalion, reconnaissance company, engineer company, communications company, anti-tank battery, chemical defense platoon, repair company, logistics company, orchestra, medical center. The number of personnel in the regiment ranges from 900 to 2000 people.

Brigade. Just like a regiment, it is the main tactical formation. Actually, the brigade occupies an intermediate position between a regiment and a division. The structure of a brigade is most often the same as a regiment, but there are significantly more battalions and other units in a brigade. So in a motorized rifle brigade there are one and a half to two times more motorized rifle and tank battalions than in a regiment. A brigade can also consist of two regiments, plus battalions and auxiliary companies. On average, there are from 2 to 8 thousand people in a brigade. The commander of a brigade, as well as in a regiment, is a colonel.

Division. The main operational-tactical formation. Just like a regiment, it is named after the predominant branch of troops in it. However, the predominance of one or another type of troops is much less than in the regiment. The motorized rifle and tank divisions are identical in structure with the only difference being that motorized rifle division two or three motorized rifle regiments and one tank, and in a tank division, on the contrary, there are two or three tank regiments, and one motorized rifle. In addition to these main regiments, the division has one or two artillery regiments, one anti-aircraft missile regiment, a rocket battalion, a missile battalion, a helicopter squadron, an engineer battalion, a communications battalion, an automobile battalion, a reconnaissance battalion, an electronic warfare battalion, and a logistics battalion. a repair and restoration battalion, a medical battalion, a chemical defense company, and several different support companies and platoons. In the modern Russian Army, there are or may be divisions of tank, motorized rifle, artillery, airborne, missile and aviation divisions. In other branches of the military, as a rule, the highest formation is a regiment or brigade. On average, there are 12-24 thousand people in a division. Division commander, Major General.

Frame. Just as a brigade is an intermediate formation between a regiment and a division, so a corps is an intermediate formation between a division and an army. The corps is already a combined arms formation, i.e. usually it is devoid of the characteristic of one type of military force, although tank or artillery corps may also exist, i.e. corps with a complete predominance of tank or artillery divisions. The combined arms corps is usually referred to as the "army corps". There is no single structure of buildings. Each time a corps is formed based on a specific military or military-political situation and can consist of two or three divisions and various quantities formations of other military branches. Usually a corps is created where it is not practical to create an army. In peacetime, there were literally three to five corps in the Soviet Army. During the Great Patriotic War Corps were usually created either for an offensive in a secondary direction, an offensive in a zone where it is impossible to deploy an army, or, conversely, for concentrating forces in the main direction ( tank corps). Very often at that time the corps existed for a few weeks or months and was disbanded upon completion of the task. It is impossible to talk about the structure and strength of the corps, because as many corps exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. Corps commander, Lieutenant General.

Army. This word is used in three main meanings: 1. Army - the armed forces of the state as a whole; 2. Army - ground forces of the armed forces of the state (as opposed to the fleet and military aviation); 3.Army - military formation. Here we are talking about the army as a military formation. The army is a large military formation for operational purposes. The army includes divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. Armies are usually no longer divided by branch of service, although tank armies may exist where tank divisions predominate. An army may also include one or more corps. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the army, because as many armies exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. The soldier at the head of the army is no longer called “commander”, but “commander of the army.” Usually the regular rank of army commander is colonel general. In peacetime, armies are rarely organized as military formations. Usually divisions, regiments, and battalions are directly included in the district.

Front (district). This is the highest military formation of the strategic type. There are no larger formations. The name "front" is used only in wartime for a formation conducting combat operations. For such formations in peacetime, or located in the rear, the name “okrug” (military district) is used. The front includes several armies, corps, divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. The composition and strength of the front may vary. Fronts are never subdivided by types of troops (i.e. there cannot be a tank front, an artillery front, etc.). At the head of the front (district) is the commander of the front (district) with the rank of army general.

Note 2: Above in the text there are the concepts “tactical formation”, “operational-tactical formation”, “strategic..”, etc. These terms indicate the range of tasks solved by this formation in the light of military art. Military art is divided into three levels:
1. Tactics (the art of combat). A squad, platoon, company, battalion, regiment solve tactical problems, i.e. are fighting.
2. Operational art (the art of fighting, battle). A division, corps, army solve operational problems, i.e. are fighting.
3. Strategy (the art of warfare in general). The front solves both operational and strategic tasks, i.e. leads major battles, as a result of which the strategic situation changes and the outcome of the war can be decided.

There is also such a name as “group of troops”. In wartime, this is the name given to military formations that solve operational tasks inherent in the front, but operate in a narrower area or a secondary direction and, accordingly, are significantly smaller and weaker than such a formation as the front, but stronger than the army. In peacetime, this was the name in the Soviet Army for associations of formations stationed abroad (Group of Soviet Forces in Germany, Central Group of Forces, Northern Group of Forces, Southern Group of Forces). In Germany, this group of troops included several armies and divisions. In Czechoslovakia, the Central Group of Forces consisted of five divisions, three of which were combined into a corps. In Poland the group of troops consisted of two divisions, and in Hungary of three divisions.

In the literature and in military documents one also encounters such names as “team” and “detachment”. The term "team" has now fallen out of use. It was used to designate formations of special troops (sappers, signalmen, reconnaissance officers, etc.) that are part of general military formations. Usually, in terms of numbers and combat missions solved, it is something between a platoon and a company. The term "detachment" was used to designate similar formations in terms of tasks and numbers as the average between a company and a battalion. It is still occasionally used to designate a permanently existing formation. For example, a drilling squad is an engineering formation designed to drill wells for water extraction in areas where there are no surface water sources. The term “detachment” is also used to designate a group of units organized temporarily for the period of battle (advanced detachment, encircling detachment, covering detachment).

Above in the text, I specifically did not use the concepts - division, part, connection, association, replacing these words with the faceless “formation”. I did this in order to avoid confusion. Now that we have dealt with specific names, we can move on to unifying and grouping names.

Subdivision. This word refers to all military formations that are part of the unit. A squad, platoon, company, battalion - they are all united by one word "unit". The word comes from the concept of division, to divide. Those. part is divided into divisions.

Part. It is the basic unit of the armed forces. The term “unit” most often means regiment and brigade. External signs parts are: the presence of its own office work, military economy, bank account, postal and telegraph address, its own official seal, the commander’s right to give written orders, open (44 training tank division) and closed (military unit 08728) combined arms numbers. That is, the part has sufficient autonomy. The presence of a Battle Banner is not necessary for a unit. In addition to the regiment and brigade, the units include division headquarters, corps headquarters, army headquarters, district headquarters, as well as other military organizations (voentorg, army hospital, garrison clinic, district food warehouse, district song and dance ensemble, garrison officers' house, garrison household goods services, central school of junior specialists, military school, military institute, etc.). In a number of cases, the status of a unit with all its external signs may be the formations that we classified above as subdivisions. Units can be a battalion, a company, and sometimes even a platoon. Such formations are not included in regiments or brigades, but directly as an independent military unit with the rights of a regiment or brigade can be part of both a division and a corps, army, front (district) and even directly subordinate General Staff. Such formations also have their own open and closed numbers. For example, the 650th separate airborne transport battalion, the 1257th separate communications company, the 65th separate radio reconnaissance platoon. A characteristic feature such parts is the word “separate”, which appears after the numbers before the name. However, a regiment can also have the word “separate” in its name. This is the case if the regiment is not part of the division, but is directly part of the army (corps, district, front). For example, 120 separate regiment guards mortars.

Note 3: Please note that the terms military unit and military unit do not mean exactly the same thing. The term "military unit" is used as a general designation, without specifics. If we are talking about a specific regiment, brigade, etc., then the term “military unit” is used. Usually its number is also mentioned: “military unit 74292” (but you cannot use “military unit 74292”) or, for short, military unit 74292.

Compound. As a standard, only a division fits this term. The word “connection” itself means to connect parts. The division headquarters has the status of a unit. Other units (regiments) are subordinate to this unit (headquarters). All together there is a division. However, in some cases, a brigade may also have the status of a connection. This happens if the brigade includes separate battalions and companies, each of which has the status of a unit in itself. In this case, the brigade headquarters, like the division headquarters, has the status of a unit, and battalions and companies, as independent units, are subordinate to the brigade headquarters. By the way, at the same time, battalions and companies can exist within the headquarters of a brigade (division). So at the same time, a formation can have battalions and companies as subunits, and battalions and companies as units.

Association. This term combines corps, army, army group and front (district). The headquarters of the association is also the part to which various formations and units are subordinated.

There are no other specific and grouping concepts in the military hierarchy. In any case, in Ground forces. In this article we did not touch upon the hierarchy of military formations of the aviation and navy. However, the attentive reader can now imagine the naval and aviation hierarchy quite simply and with minor errors. As far as the author knows: in aviation - flight, squadron, regiment, division, corps, air force. In the fleet - ship (crew), division, brigade, division, flotilla, fleet. However, this is all inaccurate; aviation and naval experts will correct me.

Branch

In the Russian Army, a squad is the smallest military formation that has a full-time commander. The squad is commanded by a junior sergeant or sergeant. Usually there are 9-13 people in a motorized rifle squad. In departments of other branches of the military, the number of personnel in the department ranges from 3 to 15 people. In some branches of the military the branch is called differently.
In artillery - crew, in tank forces - crew. Typically a squad is part of a platoon.

Platoon

Several squads make up a platoon. Usually there are from 2 to 4 squads in a platoon, but more are possible. The platoon is headed by a commander with the rank of officer. In the Russian army this is junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant. On average, the number of platoon personnel ranges from 9 to 45 people. Usually in all branches of the military the name is the same - platoon. As a rule, a platoon is part of a company, but can exist independently.

Company

Several platoons make up a company. Typically a company consists of 2-4 platoons, sometimes more platoons. A company is the smallest formation of tactical importance*, i.e. a formation capable of independently performing small tactical tasks on the battlefield. The company commander is a captain. On average, the size of a company can be from 18 to 200 people. Motorized rifle companies usually have about 130-150 people, tank companies 30-35 people. Usually a company is part of a battalion, but it is not uncommon for companies to exist as independent formations. In artillery, this type of formation is called a battery.

Battalion

Consists of several companies (usually 2-4) and several platoons that are not part of any of the companies. The battalion is one of the main tactical formations*. A battalion, like a company, platoon, or squad, is named after its branch of service (tank, motorized rifle, engineer, communications). But the battalion already includes formations of other types of weapons. For example, in a motorized rifle battalion, in addition to motorized rifle companies, there is a mortar battery, a logistics platoon, and a communications platoon. Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel. The battalion already has its own headquarters. Usually, on average, a battalion, depending on the type of troops, can number from 250 to 950 people. However, there are battalions of about 100 people. In artillery, this type of formation is called a division.

Regiment

In the Russian Army, this is the main tactical formation* and a completely autonomous formation in the economic sense. The regiment is commanded by a colonel. Although regiments are named by types of troops (tank, motorized rifle, communications, pontoon-bridge, etc.), in fact this is a formation consisting of units of many types of troops, and the name is given by the predominant type of troops. For example, in a motorized rifle regiment there are two or three motorized rifle battalions, one tank battalion, one artillery battalion, one anti-aircraft missile battalion, a reconnaissance company, an engineer company, a communications company, an anti-tank battery, a chemical defense platoon, a repair company, a logistics company, orchestra, medical center. The number of personnel in the regiment ranges from 900 to 2000 people.

Brigade

Just like a regiment, it is the main tactical formation*. Actually, the brigade occupies an intermediate position between a regiment and a division. The structure of a brigade is most often the same as a regiment, but there are significantly more battalions and other units in a brigade. So in a motorized rifle brigade there are one and a half to two times more motorized rifle and tank battalions than in a regiment. A brigade can also consist of two regiments, plus battalions and auxiliary companies. On average, the brigade has from 2 to 8 thousand people. The brigade commander is a colonel.

Division

Main operational-tactical formation*. Just like a regiment, it is named after the predominant branch of troops in it. However, the predominance of one or another type of troops is much less than in the regiment. A motorized rifle division and a tank division are identical in structure, with the only difference being that in a motorized rifle division there are two or three motorized rifle regiments and one tank, and in a tank division, on the contrary, there are two or three tank regiments and one motorized rifle. In addition to these main regiments, the division has one or two artillery regiments, one anti-aircraft missile regiment, a rocket battalion, a missile battalion, a helicopter squadron, an engineer battalion, a communications battalion, an automobile battalion, a reconnaissance battalion, an electronic warfare battalion, and a logistics battalion. a repair and restoration battalion, a medical battalion, a chemical defense company, and several different support companies and platoons. In the modern Russian Army, there are or may be divisions of tank, motorized rifle, artillery, airborne, missile and aviation divisions. In other branches of the military, as a rule, the highest formation is a regiment or brigade. On average, there are 12-24 thousand people in a division. Division commander, Major General. Currently, after the reorganization of the Russian army, divisions are being reduced and so-called reinforced brigades of a new look are being formed on their basis.

Army

An army is a large military formation for operational purposes*. The army includes divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. Armies are usually no longer divided by branch of service, although tank armies may exist where tank divisions predominate. An army may also include one or more corps. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the army, because as many armies exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. The soldier at the head of the army is no longer called “commander”, but “commander of the army.” Usually the regular rank of army commander is colonel general.

District

This is the highest military formation of the strategic type*. There are no larger formations. In wartime, a front is formed on the basis of the district. The district includes several armies, corps, divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. The composition and size of the district may vary. Districts are never subdivided by types of troops (i.e. there cannot be a tank district, an artillery district, etc.). The district is headed by a district commander with the rank of army general.

Above in the text there are the concepts “tactical formation”, “operational-tactical formation”, “strategic..”, etc. These terms indicate the range of tasks solved by this formation in the light of military art. The art of war is divided into three levels:

1. Tactics (the art of combat). A squad, platoon, company, battalion, regiment solve tactical problems, i.e. are fighting.
2. Operational art (the art of fighting, battle). A division, corps, army solve operational problems, i.e. are fighting.
3. Strategy (the art of warfare in general). The front solves both operational and strategic tasks, i.e. leads major battles, as a result of which the strategic situation changes and the outcome of the war can be decided

Subdivision

This word refers to all military formations that are part of the unit. A squad, platoon, company, battalion - they are all united by one word "unit". The word comes from the concept of division, to divide. Those. part is divided into divisions.

Part

It is the basic unit of the armed forces. The term “unit” most often means regiment and brigade. The external features of the unit are: the presence of its own office work, military economy, bank account, postal and telegraph address, its own official seal, the commander’s right to give written orders, open (44 tank training division) and closed (military unit 08728) combined arms numbers. That is, the part has sufficient autonomy. The presence of a Battle Banner is not necessary for a unit. In addition to the regiment and brigade, the units also include division headquarters, corps headquarters, army headquarters, district headquarters, as well as other military organizations.
*the terms military unit and military unit do not mean exactly the same thing. The term "military unit" is used as a general designation, without specifics. If we are talking about a specific regiment, brigade, etc., then the term “military unit” is used. Usually its number is also mentioned: “military unit 74292” (but you cannot use “military unit 74292”) or, for short, military unit 74292.

IN company Russian army Maybe enter from 18 to 360 Human. The branch of the military plays an important role, for example:

IN tank company quantity soldier rarely exceeds 35 Human;
IN motorized rifle companies Maybe be 60-110 soldier;
IN nautical infantrye – approximately 130 Human;
IN air— airborne troops – to 80 soldier And T. d.

A company consists of several platoons, which, in turn, consist of sections. The average department may contain from 3 to 15 Human, in platoon – from 9 to 45 Human. More often total V company included 2-6 platoons.

The company is the smallest formation that has tactical importance. Those. on the battlefield, the company is capable of performing small tactical tasks. In cavalry, companies are called squadrons, in artillery - batteries, in border troops - outposts, in aviation - aviation units. Most often, companies are part of battalions and regiments, but there are also separate formations that are not tied to larger structures.

The company is controlled by a commander, whom soldiers often call the company commander. This person must have a major position, i.e. holds the rank of senior lieutenant or captain.

As a rule, the data presented relate not only to Russian, but also to foreign armies. For example, motorized infantry companies USA have number 100-120 Human, such same companies V Germany – 120-130 Human.

The army, like any other phenomenon, has many interesting facts, which are even interesting ordinary people who have nothing to do with the army.

Some are interested in why the buttons on soldiers' uniforms are on the front side, and not, as they should be, on the side. This design was invented by Peter. This was explained by the fact that many soldiers of that time were simple peasants who did not know the rules and regulations of etiquette. That's why Peter 1 placed the buttons on the front side to make it inconvenient for soldiers to wipe their mouths with their uniform sleeves.
Are there gay guys among the soldiers? Now many people joke about it. Like, if you don’t want to serve in the army, pretend that you gay. More and more young people are resorting to this trick. In our country, such persons are not allowed to serve in the army. However, history says that ancient Greek commanders, on the contrary, created separate detachments from representatives of non-traditional orientation. Moreover, such units were considered invincible. And the whole point is that men were simply afraid of falling down in the eyes of their lovers, which forced them to give all their best on the battlefield.
Now it’s far from news that there are women’s groups. Today the feminist movement of women is very popular. They are trying to prove their strength and independence from men. The creation of women's groups is partly a way to achieve this goal. But still, one of the main tasks of a woman is to illuminate those around her with her beauty. That's why a vote was held on the most attractive and sexy women's army. So, Romania took first place, and Russia third.